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Friday, May 7, 2010

Rose of No Man's Land by Michelle Tea

Released: 2007

Michelle Tea's Rose of No Man's Land is unforgettable because it is one of the craziest, most original novels I have ever read. The events that transpire in the book are a complete train-wreck, and because of this, is incredibly hard to put down.

The book puts a really bad taste in the reader's mouth, but ONLY from a "Wow, I can't believe that just happened" perspective. It was so dirty, naughty, and wild entertaining; from reading about how horrible Trisha's mother was, to her experience working in that store in the mall, and of course her obscene experiences with Rose. There is a notorious scene involving a dirty tampon, on which I will definitely not expunge any extra details on lest I spoil it for readers....who would DO something like that? You have to read the book to find out.

Throughout the book I keep expecting Trisha to experience some horrible, life-changing event like in most "coming-of-age" novels, and I am honestly relieved that the book is just a great story. Author Michelle Tea does not try to prove any specific point other than teenage girls will be experimental. The girls' behavior is both appalling and amusing.
Readers who like this book will also enjoy: Syrup by Maxx Berry and Dogface by Jeff Garigliano.